Fallen London

Welcome to the Victorian-Gothic underworld of the Neath, where every choice has a consequence, from the style of your hat to the price of your soul.

Creep, coerce, brawl and swindle your way through the gaslit streets of Fallen London. Go mudlarking off Ladybones Road, eavesdrop in the ragged old market of Spite, or arm-wrestle in Watchmaker’s Hill – wheresoever you roam, you’ll take your chances and shape your fate.

Collect whispered secrets and trade magnificent jewels to further your cause, whilst picking your way through the rats and filth of the fallen city (or embracing the putrid glory of it all). Choose your allies and your path carefully though – after all you never know who you might run into down that dark alley, or what poor soul might run into you…

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~Genius Swordsman, Okita Souji~

Last edited by Prisma*Illya on Tue Sep 12, 2017 3:33 pm; edited 9 times in total

Thirty years ago, London was stolen, the Fifth City from the Surface to have descended into the Neath and settle on the shore of the Unterzee, that old dark ocean under the world.

It is rumored (in hushed voices) that the city fell as a result of a deal struck between London's queen, now known as the Traitor Empress, and the Masters of the Bazaar. Some say it was for immortality, some say to save her consort's life, others for fabulous wealth.

Whatever the case may be, the true power of London lies with the Masters of the Bazaar now, though many have tried to carve out their own little empires. The Brass Embassy plies its trade to gain souls, and the Church still wrestles to save souls. The constables try to maintain order, while the revolutionaries sow seeds of chaos. And countless individuals across London try to preserve their virtues, indulge their vices, and maybe even achieve their deepest Ambitions...

The Lay of the Land

Spoiler:

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~Genius Swordsman, Okita Souji~

Last edited by Prisma*Illya on Tue Sep 12, 2017 3:34 pm; edited 8 times in total

Collect whispered secrets and trade magnificent jewels to further your cause, whilst picking your way through the rats and filth of the fallen city (or embracing the putrid glory of it all). Choose your allies and your path carefully though – after all you never know who you might run into down that dark alley, or what poor soul might run into you…

The Echo Bazaar

The Echo Bazaar is the very center of Fallen London. Almost all legal commerce takes place beneath the auspices of its spires, but few people are privileged enough to venture inside. From here, the Masters, the true powers in the Neath, exercise their rule over the city.

People from all walks of life are free to buy and sell their wares here. The Bazaar traffics in many things, from more common items like clothing or pets to the more intangible such as secrets and souls. The Bazaar deals in commerce on a far greater scale than these goods, however. Its vaults are far too extensive and secretive to be merely mundane. People of exceptional skill and fame may bargain for esoteric knowledge to push their training even further.

It’s tempting to ask why all this is how it is, but good luck trying to find answers. There are powerful people who’d like to keep it secret...

Spoiler:

The Masters of the Bazaar

Mr. Barley - The Master who governs the commerce of food of all kinds, from fruit and vegetables to meat and grains. This darkly cheery, kind, and 'overly familiar' Master is generally consider the most affable of the Masters of the Bazaar, and has a penchant for games and gambling.

Mr. Cups - The distant and proper (though possibly flirtatious) Master in charge of trade in crockery, pottery, and sculpture who is known for his appreciation of the "the frangible and the fine."

Mr. Fires - The strict yet confident Master in charge of trade in coal, gas, candles, as well as dockside trade and dirigibles. Rumor has it that Mr. Fires has a dark side, and is possibly the cruelest of the Masters, antagonizing its employees and fighting unions and fair conditions.

Mr. Iron - Known for communicating only through written means (often writing with both hands at once), this silent and seemingly humorless Master is in charge of trade in tools, engines, weapons, and printing presses.

Mr. Pages - Known for a bountifacious proclivity towards verbose sayitudes, this most knowledgeable and friendly Master is in charge of trade in anything and everything written as well as all manner of writing implements. Mr. Pages employs the Ministry of Public Decency who are tasked with collecting books to protect the public from "dangerous contraband." It is said, however, that Mr. Pages is more than willing to grant the wisdom of these forbidden works to those who are hungry and worthy enough.

Mr. Spices - The irritable and peevish Mr Spices is in charge of trade in spices, sweet smokes, and prisoner's honey. One of the more elusive Masters, Mr. Spices appears very infrequently in public.

Mr. Wines - Trade in anything drinkable, including medicine, comes under the jurisdiction of Mr. Wines. Entertainment, music and the business of romance are his forte. Known for entertaining guests at huge revels, this jovial Master is one of those publicly notable Masters in the Bazaar. He is a bit infamous, however, as London's most notorious check-skipper, and has a reputation for leaving others holding the bill for parties here and there.

Mr. Stones - This terse and materialistic Master is in charge of trade in all manner of stones including jewels, quarrystone, salt, and blasting powder.

Mr. Veils - The Master in charge of trade in clothing and fabric, the duplicitous and impatient Mr. Veils is best known for its enjoyment of fashion and luxury.

Mr. Chimes - The Master in charge of time and records. The most mysterious of all Masters, no on ever seems to see him.

The House of Chimes

The House of Chimes is an exclusive club run by the Masters of the Bazaar where only those who can afford its exorbitant monthly fee or have a recommendation from one of its elite members can enter. It is located on the river, in the shell of an old clock tower that was once known as Big Ben.

The Constables

The Constables are what remains of London's police force. The Constables protect the rich, the powerful, and the Masters. But sometimes, too, they protect the wretched poor.

The Shuttered Palace

The Traitor Empress and her consort live safely in the Shuttered Palace, in the protective custody of the Bazaar. No-one is permitted to use her name anymore, and many have forgotten what it was.

The Shuttered Palace, at the very west end of London, likely used to be called Kensington Palace but was renamed after the Fall. The Empress and her family are confined to the palace... and for good reason. Many wonder why the Empress' Palace is shuttered. Apparently, the Empress hates light. And sudden movements, loud noises, foreigners, treason, peaches. When you're Empress, you can do that kind of thing. Despite this, her power over London only exists inside the domain the Masters allow for her.

It is a magnet for London's up-and-coming entertainers, though they have to stay quiet....

Spoiler:

The Traitor Empress

The queen of London before the Fall. She now resides in the Palace and never sees the light of day. Some say she is the one responsible for London descending into the Neath, a rumored deal to bestow upon her unnaturally long life.

The Duchess

The gatekeeper to the Shuttered Palace, it is through her that society members are given recommendation the Traitor Empress' court. She is a lady of style, grace and refinement, whose salons may be the best-attended in Fallen London. Just don't ask about her peculiar diet. Or her name. Or her association with the city's cats. Or her past. Actually, best not to say anything, just nod and drink her lovely tea. It is very lovely tea.

The Church

The Anglican Church still survives in London. Churches still hold services, London still has its bishops, and the Traitor Empress is still the head of the Church of England. Theology has become more flexible, of course. The Church is a bit more delicate on the subject of devils, because after all, it's now among devils.

Secretly, however, the Church struggles to undermine the influence of the Brass Embassy in London. Some even say they want to invade Hell and liberate its souls. It's just within reach now, after all...

Spoiler:

Priests

The Church's clergy who spend most of their time conducting services and subtly combating the influence of the Brass Embassy. It's much easier in the Neath to get people to believe in the existence of souls and Hell, but the temptations they provide are even greater now.

The Brass Embassy

The Brass Embassy is the headquarters for devils in Fallen London, a cozy hell away from hell. It is the center of the Neath's thriving soul trade.

A massive complex located outside Ladybones Road, it holds many offices, ballrooms, and devil-friendly restaurants like Dante's Grill. They say the Embassy throws the best masked balls in London. Careful to not get too carried away though - devils never separate business and pleasure.

In simpler times, Hell would take a soul on the death of the body. In the Neath, however, it's not terribly uncommon to meet someone who's short a soul. Some of them become mumbling, dead-eyed husks: some of them simply turn to occupations where soullessness is a professional advantage. Souls are traded to Hell in exchange for favors and the many desires and debaucheries of the human heart. Devils persuade, beguile, and charm people to give up their souls. They even trade with human spirifers, whom the Masters abhor. Devils are very interested in unique souls, but if a soul becomes unique in the wrong way (for example, being stained), most devils lose interest in it.

There are very few ways to regain one's soul.

Spoiler:

Devils

Courteous, rapacious, merciless, and beguiling, devils are the emissaries of Hell and in London for one purpose: souls. And perhaps the company, the sights, and a little chamber-music. Sophisticated and sharp as a rapier, devils are masterful businessmen and seducers of sinners and saints. Tread cautiously, as devils are great company, all the way down to the Pit...

The Brass Ambassador

The leader of the Brass Embassy, responsible for representing Hell's interests in Fallen London. The current holder of the position is a devil named Bartholomew, formerly the Brass Embassy's Salesdevil of the Year for six straight years and widely considered Hell's most charming devil. Sophisticated, suave, and "devilishly" handsome, he's managed to make the Brass Embassy a surprisingly reputable establishment in London. Though the position is notoriously hard to hold, Bartholomew has managed to hold onto it far longer than any of his predecessors, no doubt owing to his charm, cunning, and a sizable pile of dead competitors.

No one said he wasn't dangerous.

The Dulcet Deviless

A sensual deviless with a rich voice like smooth wine, Lucinda is the current Salesdevil of the Year at the Brass Embassy since Bartholomew took up the Brass Ambassador position. She considers him something of a mentor and one day hopes to hold the position of Brass Ambassador. She has no intention of making a move against Bartholomew - not out of loyalty, but knowing she doesn't have the resources to challenge him yet. Someday...

Spirifers

A spirifer is anyone who trades in unlicensed souls. But the word usually means the villains who prey on poverty and desperation, kidnapping children to relieve them of their immortal souls, wheedling them from gin-soaked paupers or snatching them from the mouths of drowned men.

There's a healthy export trade in souls from Fallen London to Hell. But like all trade, it's licensed and overseen by the Bazaar. Spirifers are those rogues who bypass the Bazaar to sell directly to Hell. A soul may be a final desperate payment against a bad debt; it may be gambled unwisely; or it may be tricked from its first owner.

Spirifers are merchants whom the Bazaar has not authorized to trade in souls. Most are humans, but a few may be devils. Their trade is called spirifrage; it is lucrative, but spirifers are often persecuted, especially by the Masters.

The Calendar Council

The Calendar Council is the primary revolutionary organization in London. Its members, named after the months of the year, are for the most part plotting and planning for their end goal, the Liberation of Night. The philosophy behind it is spreading across the Unterzee and up to the Surface, and predates the Council itself.

As one of London's more motivated and ambitious citizens, you will be pursuing one of four storyline goals, known as Ambitions. Ambitions have ten goals, and you need to achieve each one to move on to the next goal. You will need to play to your strengths to achieve them. No man is an island, however, and using both NPC and player connections you have cultivated will go a long way toward achieving goals for which you are lacking. It also pays to help out when others call. You never know when your Ambitions might intersect!

Heart's Desire

Seek out the notorious card game known as the Marvelous, in which you can stake your soul and win your heart's desire. Gaining access to the exclusive game is difficult enough. Learning its arcane rules even moreso. Winning is nearly impossible.

Chapter 1 - The Duchess' DelightJoining the Marvelous is a long and difficult road, and it starts here. They say the Masters of the Bazaar started the Marvelous, but no one speaks to the Masters without being summoned. Whispers in Society say the Traitor Empress is visited by Mr. Veils. Perhaps, she can make an introduction. But to get to the Shuttered Pslace, you first have to win the approval of the tart and temperamental Duchess, the gatekeeper to the Empress' court.

Nemesis

A loved one is dead, their life cut tragically and violently short. Their murderer must be found, wherever they may hide.

Chapter 1 - Behind the VeilYour loved one is dead, and you never even had the chance to see their body before it was taken away by the constables. They say the last person to see him was one of his Bohemian friends in Veilgarden.

The Masters' Secrets

The Masters' rule of the Neath is absolute. But their power lies beyond just the economic strength of the Bazaar. How are they able to extend their power to the Surface and drag cities down into the Neath? What are the Masters anyway? Perhaps its time someone found these answers. Its vaults are vast enough to hold plenty of riches to line your pockets for a lifetime, but nothing is so valuable in the Neath as secrets.

Chapter 1 - A Name Spoken in WhispersMake a name for yourself in the criminal underworld of the Neath, one that they're afraid to speak in more than a whisper.

Legendary Menace

The infamous serial killer, the Jack-of-Smiles, has become a menace that must be dealt with. The constables have given up trying to stop a nightmarish apparition who merely possesses a new host every time he's killed, and prefer to deal with more corporeal threats. Someone must end this nightmare's existence, though, before more lives are claimed.

Chapter 1 - Terror on the StreetsA league of hunters if forming in Watchmaker's Hill to finally deal with the threat of the Jack-of-Smiles. If the constables won't do anything, it's time for the Londoners to take things into their own hands.

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~Genius Swordsman, Okita Souji~

Last edited by Prisma*Illya on Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:46 pm; edited 13 times in total

Attributes define your character's strengths as they try to achieve their goals. You will start with 15 points to distribute on a scale of 0-10. Upon completing goals in your Ambition, you will be awarded bonus points to distribute.

Title: (if any)Name:Age:Appearance: (description)History: (description)Connections: (any of the above factions excluding the Echo Bazaar or House of Chimes, or "none")Ambition: (choose one of the four, or "none" for secondary characters)Personality: (description)Watchful: ★Shadowy: ★Dangerous: ★Persuasive: ★Persona: The mask you present to society (choose one quirk to represent this)Nature: The manner with which you conduct your affairs (choose one quirk to represent this)Shadow: The hidden nature of your subconscious, deep to your heart (choose one quirk to represent this)Weapons: (you must be at least "Dangerous" to carry a weapon)Skills: (if any, but only things particularly noteworthy)Lodgings:

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~Genius Swordsman, Okita Souji~

Last edited by Prisma*Illya on Wed Sep 13, 2017 1:18 am; edited 2 times in total

Title: SirName: Alistair GreyroseAge: 32Appearance: Alistair is an incredibly handsome man, with short, neatly groomed brown hair, a tasteful shadow of beard on his face, and keen hazel eyes. He dresses impeccably and favors silk ties of deep golds and greens to bring out his eyes. History: Alistair Greyrose was not born a native of the Neath, though he doesn't freely share this information. As a child, he was fascinated with the tales he heard of London's fall into the Neath and the bizarre happenings of that land. His fascination only grew as a young man, having taken up occult research during his spare time studying at university. Forgoing a career on the Surface, he instead found passage into the Neath nearly seven years ago to delve into the secrets of hidden below.Unfortunately, one can't live just on passion, and it became quite obvious that Alistair would need to find away to sustain himself while in London - perhaps even make himself comfortable, if possible. Relying on his natural good looks, charm, and poise, Alistair quickly found himself a prominent name in Society and personally invited to the Duchess' court. She grew rather fond of him (as fond as the miserable old bat is of anyone), as did the other members of her inner circle. With her recommendation, Alistair looks toward the Shuttered Palace as his last step in mastering Society. He has grown quite skilled and powerful in the game of people, though his record is not without flaw. There was that one time... but that's something he pointedly avoids talking or thinking about.Despite the allure of the court's decadence and the Neath's mysteries, however, Alistair has become quite heartsick over the years for the Surface, to feel the sun in his skin and the fresh wind in his face. But while entering the Neath is easy enough, leaving it is another matter entirely...Connections: The Shuttered Palace, The Brass EmbassyAmbition: Heart's DesirePersonality: Alistair is charming, witty, and flirtatious almost all the time, and knows that the best way to get what he wants is to give people what they want. Though he has few qualms about using people, he doesn't treat them badly and always attempts to make the experience mutually beneficial, even if that's simply the pleasure of his company and the pleasure of his... company. However, Alistair rarely finds himself caught up in hedonistic desires to the point where he loses control. Control is very important to him, and he always uses his shrewdness, intellect, and perception to maneuver his way through Society. In the rare moments he does let down his guard, he can be very wistful and longing, and often speaks and dreams of fresh breezes and open skies. He has an intense interest in secret lore and the occult, though he approaches it with caution. Enthusiasm should never trump caution.Watchful: ★★★★★ (Shrewd)Shadowy: ★★ (Sly)Dangerous: ★ (Dangerous)Persuasive: ★★★★★★★ (Compelling)Persona: HedonistNature: SubtleShadow: MelacholyWeapons: Carries a small, very sharp knife in the inside of his cloak. You can never be too careful in the Neath!Skills: Occult expertise

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~Genius Swordsman, Okita Souji~

Last edited by Prisma*Illya on Tue Sep 12, 2017 3:50 pm; edited 1 time in total